Home sales may show Aberdeen seeing first signs of economic growth

The tough economic conditions which have engulfed Aberdeen for the last four years may be coming to an end with new figures indicating tentative signs of a recovery in the local property market.

Research for Aberdein Considine’s Property Monitor has revealed that residential property sales in the Granite City have increased for the first time in nearly two years, with a rise of 7.9%. This swing into positive territory backs up recent analysis of the local market by property experts at the firm, which had identified a range of encouraging economic indicators for the city and region.

In a further boost for the area, the value of property changing hands saw a 7.3% uplift, with total sales of £221,963,819.

Prices in Aberdeen also appear to have stabilised, and whilst there was still a 0.5% year on year fall, the average cost of a home was £199,834.

Whilst any recovery remains in its early stages, the figures also provide some affirmation that recent and future investment projects are already beginning to have a real impact, with buyers and investors returning to the city.

Jacqueline Law, Managing Partner at Aberdein Considine welcomed the boost for north east market and confirmed growth across the Scottish property market.

“The upturn in Aberdeen is great news after a prolonged difficult period, and is hopefully an indicator that we are beginning to see the north east emerge from one of its most testing downturns.

There’s still a huge amount of work to do to try and get back to where we were but news of the longer term investment plans for the area, and the oil price having hit $80 this year, hopefully provides the necessary level of optimism to help maintain the momentum.

Critically, the positive effects of a return to sustainable growth in the energy sector should filter through to the rest of the country, providing benefits for businesses across the supply chain.

However, despite the current feel good factor, we can’t ignore the ongoing turbulence in relation to Brexit, as well as the corresponding uncertainty this is causing to both businesses and homeowners.

That said, the energy industry is international in nature and the return of a stable and prosperous oil and gas industry should hopefully provide some insulation against the challenges the country might face over the next few months and years.”

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